Feminists were made happy on reading two headlines in last Tuesday’s New York Times. One headline reads "Girls Make History by Sweeping Top Honors at a Science Contest." The other reports, "In Iran, Group of ’Mothers’ Criticizes Nuclear Policy." Concerned Iranian women calling themselves ’Mothers for Peace’ have organized a Web site and issued a public letter expressing worry over their children’s welfare if present government policies continue The story of 16 and 17 year old young women winning the most coveted student awards in Math, Science and Technology proves the feminist claim that women can do science as well as men. So take that, Larry Summers and all those who think women’s brains have lesser abilities for math! "Equality feminists" have always asserted that women and men are more alike than different; it’s cultural conditioning that explains how women use their intelligence. On the other hand, when mothers take the lead in peacemaking for the sake of their children, their actions support the "difference feminists" who say that women are by nature more caring, more moral and more peaceful. Evolution is said to have selected women to protect their offspring with "tend and befriend" strategies in the face of threat. If women fight or take flight or freeze, their children will be left to perish, and there goes the human race. I’ve always been of the equality feminist persuasion, but sometimes I’m pushed too far. Maybe there is a difference that makes a difference and male testosterone poisoning is our species’ gravest danger. In the meantime, I’ll take refuge in the old "both-and" approach to gender differences. Anything they can do, we can do better, and pace Henry Higgins, we are a marvelous sex. Bottom line? Elect us, ordain us, give more support to mothers for peace. Sidney Callahan
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